Educator, politician, and veteran DeWayne Bunch survived a tour of duty in Iraq, but not a lunchroom brawl at his school. Photo credit: Ballotpedia.
As Memorial Day approaches, let’s take a moment to remember educator, politician, and veteran DeWayne Bunch, the Chalkboard Champion that survived the Iraq War, but not a lunchroom brawl.
For 17 years, DeWayne Bunch was a beloved teacher of mathematics and science at Whitley County High School in Williamsburg, Kentucky. DeWayne was also a member of the Kentucky National Guard for 23 years, and had served in the Kentucky Army National Guard as a First Sergeant. His service sent him on a tour of duty in Iraq. His valor there earned him a Bronze Star. A multi-talented individual, DeWayne was elected in 2010 to the Kentucky State House of Representatives on the Republican ticket. There he represented the 82nd District. As a legislator, he served on House Committees for Education; Veterans’ Affairs; and Transportation.
Sadly, DeWayne’s story does not have a happy ending. One morning in 2011, a brawl between two students broke out in the school cafeteria. DeWayne was the first of three faculty members who rushed in to quell the fray. Unfortunately, DeWayne took a direct punch meant for another student, was knocked to the floor, and hit his head on the hard surface. A surface described as “like slate.” Suffering from severe head and spinal cord injuries, DeWayne was rushed to the nearest hospital. What followed was a year of extensive rehabilitative therapy, during which time DeWayne resigned his position in the Kentucky House of Representatives. His wife, Regina Bunch, a special education teacher at Whitely County Middle School, was elected to fill his vacated position.
Sadly, DeWayne died as a result of his injuries just over a year later, on July 11, 2012. He was only 49 years old. Our country lost a true hero and Chalkboard Champion that day.
DeWayne was born on February 22, 1962, in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He graduated from Cumberland College in 1992 with a degree in Education. He earned his Master’s degree from Union College in 1995, in Principal Certification.
To learn more about this Kentucky veteran and educator, see his biography at Vote Smart.
